This uniquely Malaysian
building symbolises the democratic system of Malaysia. The Parliament House,
built in September 1962. is set up on a hill in the scenic Lake Gardens and
is flanked by fountains and other ornamental features. The building cost
RM18mil being the brainchild of Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul
Rahman, was officiated by Tuanku Syed Putra ibni Almarhum Syed Hassan
Jamalullail, the third Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on Nov 21, 1963.

The
triangular structure that is the roof structure of the Dewan Rakyat hall has
11 sections, representing the number of states in the
then Federation of
Malaya.

The
Building
Over one million bricks, 2,000 tons of steel, 54,000 tons of concrete,
200,000 bags of cement and 300 tons of glass were used to construct
Parliament House. Costing RM18 million, the project took 3 and a half years
to complete and cost and was officially opened on 2nd November, 1963.

Constructed with heat and
light absorbing glass, the design of the tower block resembles that of a
pineapple with beehive-like 'kerawang' or ornamental patterns. This provides
a controlled environment for light and heat within.

The complex consists of two parts: the main building, which is a
three-storey building, and its 18-storey tower annexe. Within the building
are two national assembly halls: the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) and Dewan
Negara (Senate).

The Dewan Rakyat and Dewan
Negara are associated with the colours blue and red respectively, and the
carpeting in both houses are so coloured. Although the designs of the two
halls are the same, the smaller Dewan Negara has nice stained glass windows
with traditional Islamic motifs.

A striking
feature of the entire project is the elaborate water system which circulates
specially treated water to the four floors of the main block as well as the
730,000 litre pool in the forecourt.

Rising through the centre of
this concourse is the sharp triangular outline of the roof (11 folded plate
roof) of the House of Representatives, representing the number of states in
the then Federation of Malaya. Malaysia, as a nation, including Sabah,
Sarawak and Singapore, was only formed on Sept 16, 1963, less than two
months before Parliament House was opened.

The 20 level tower block, contains offices for ministers and members of the
Upper and Lower Chambers. Topping the floors of office space in the tower
block is an open sided terrace commanding a magnificent view of the federal
capital. This is used for informal receptions.

On the ground floor is a small
circular prayer room which can accommodate 100 persons. Dominating the
ground floor is the massive banquet hall which can accommodate 500 people.
Other facilities on the ground floor include a royalty room (for our King),
library, a press room, lounge and canteen.

There is supposedly a tunnel
leading from Parliament House to the Lake Gardens to be used for emergency
evacuation. However, its exact location is not disclosed, either on grounds
of secrecy or due to disuse.

The ground of the Parliament House, at 61m above sea level covers an area of
16.2 hectares and is planted with Berlian trees (from Sarawak), Tamar trees
(date palms from Saudi Arabia), Mata Kucing trees (from Mauritius), Chestnut
trees and others. There is a mini-park stocked with deer (from the initial 6
presented by Suharto, the former president of Indonesia - there are
currently about 30 deer still being housed there.) and some exotic birds.

A statue of Tunku Abdul Rahman
was erected near the Parliament square. No other Malaysian prime minister
has been honoured with a statue since due to a rising Islamic consciousness
on the prohibition on graven images.

Note
Visitors are required to write a letter of application before visiting the
place.
There is also a dress code one must adhere to on entry
For more Info on the place, Check it its
Official Portal.

Best Way to Visit - Take KL
City Tour
A private tour that allows you to see the major landmarks of the city and
its suburbs